The association between marginalization and mortality rates in Mexico, 2003-2007

The marginalization index for each municipality in Mexico confirms that the country is characterized by substantial economic inequality.
Using this index as a tool to measure inequality in urbanization and data from the Consejo Nacional de Población (CONAPO) and the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI), this work first analyzes observed spatial patterns of the marginalization index. Next, this dissertation analyzes the association between marginalization and mortality patterns inside Mexico. Overall, there is evidence of high marginalization linked to high mortality rates. Factors that might influence marginalization like geographical differences do not seem to influence the relationship between marginalization and mortality. Factors like migration and indigenous population percentages show more relevance in explaining the association between marginalization and mortality as a social causation effect.